Wigdor LLP has filed a lawsuit against fashion design label Nicole Miller on behalf of former employee Wendy Simchi-Levi. Ms. Simchi-Levi, a dedicated employee, was terminated just weeks after giving birth in January 2017.
When Ms. Simchi-Levi joined the women’s clothing brand Nicole Miller, she was an instant success, and was highly praised by her colleagues. As alleged in the Complaint, despite glowing performance reviews, when Ms. Simchi-Levi disclosed her pregnancy to Nicole Miller, she became the target of an ongoing campaign of harassment intended to discourage her from returning to work after giving birth. The Complaint alleges that shortly after learning of the pregnancy, Ms. Miller began directing all communication through Ms. Simchi-Levi’s associate, making it difficult for Ms. Simchi-Levi to carry out her work effectively. Moreover, the Complaint states that colleagues warned Ms. Simchi-Levi, “Nicole hates you. You should be looking for another job.”
The Complaint further alleges that Ms. Miller repeatedly questioned Ms. Simchi-Levi’s commitment to her job, making comments such as, “You won’t want to come back to work after having twins.” Despite this, when Ms. Simchi-Levi was admitted to the hospital due to pregnancy complications, she continued to work remotely from her hospital bed, demonstrating her dedication to the role.
The escalating discrimination led to Ms. Simchi-Levi’s eventual termination in January 2017, just weeks after giving birth. The Complaint contends that the timing of the decision to terminate Ms. Simchi-Levi is a clear indication that the company did not want to employ a working mother. Ms. Simchi-Levi’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, said of the company’s discriminatory views, “As a successful fashion designer and businesswoman herself, it is disgraceful that Ms. Miller would treat a dedicated and loyal employee who was pregnant with such disdain.”
New York Daily News
“EXCLUSIVE: Ex-employee of Nicole Miller fashion label claims anti-pregnancy bias in lawsuit.”
March 6, 2017
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Daily Mail
“Fired for being pregnant? Ex-employee sues fashion retailer Nicole Miller for discriminating against her because she was expecting twins and claims the designer called her ‘a f*****g a**hole’”
March 6, 2017
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